Abstract:
Methods of treating a device such as an endoprostheses or a batch thereof include first soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour; after first soaking the device, first sonicating the device in deionized water for between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes; and after first sonicating the device, repeating, at least once, soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour, and, after soaking the device in the nitric acid, sonicating the device in deionized water between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes. Methods may further include soaking in a mild acid for between about 30 minutes and about 45 minutes. The methods may form a protective oxide having a thickness between about 30 Å and about 100 Å.